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Reed Kessler is one of the riders on the list for the American Invitational.This year's edition of the $200,000 Gene Mische American Invitational, presented by G & C Farms, is less than a few days away – and the riders list is ready. America’s best riders are all in the line-up; McLain Ward, Beezie Madden, Reed Kessler, Laura Kraut, Lauren Hough, Leslie Howard, and Margie Engle will be competing at the "Super Bowl of Showjumping" that takes place on Saturday night at Tampa's Raymond James Stadium, home to the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

Click here to view the riders list.

Jos Verlooy jumps from 264 to 192 on this month's Logines Rankings. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.WoSJ has taken a closer look at this month’s Longines Rankings to find out who’s been climbing among the world’s top 200 riders. The ranking includes validated results from 01/04/2012 to 31/03/2013. Outside the top ten, Ben Maher is getting closer to the ten best in the world by going from rank 23 to rank 14 after some fantastic results in Florida. Doda – who’s also been riding at the WEF with success – is another climber, going from 32 to 22. Two other WEF’ers are also going upwards; Shane Sweetnam from 46 to 39 and Daniel Deusser from 52 to 44. US rider Christine McRea also makes a jump, from 72 to 59 – while Leon Thijssen goes from 70 to 61. One of the last months’ biggest climbers is Clarissa Crotta, and the Swiss riders keep on moving upwards – now going from rank 93 to 66!

Still number one! Christian Ahlmann. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Christian Ahlmann continues to top the world ranking yet another month. There are  few changes among the top ten, but Gerco Schröder has pushed Steve Guerdat down to third place and has taken over the runner-up position behind Ahlmann. Pius Schwizer, Edwina Tops-Alexander and Kevin Staut remain as number four, five and six, while Marcus Ehning has dropped one place and follows them as number seven. The remaining three riders, Nick Skelton, Marc Houtzager and Beezie Madden, have also kept on to their previous ranks as number eight, nine and ten.

Click here to see the full ranking.

A new promising seven year old for Beezie. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Beezie Madden has purchased the seven year old approved stallion Q. Breitling LS (Quintero La Silla x Accord II) from Jeroen Dubbeldam and Team Nijhof. Breitling won the Dutch stallion final in Den Bosch in 2012 with Jeroen's stable jockey Sjaak Sleiderink.

Source: Stal de Sjiem

Kevin Staut will compete at home soil this weekend. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The French top riders Patrice Delaveau, Simon Delestre, Penelope Leprevost and Kevin Staut will all be at the 3* show in Hardelot this weekend. They will be accompanied by other International top riders such as Rik Hemeryck, Philippe Le Jeune, Shane Breen, Wout-Jan van der Schans, Albert Voorn, Laura Renwick, Guy Williams and Paul Estermann.

Click here to see the total riders list.

It is finally confirmed that the London leg of the Global Champions Tour 2013 will be staged at The International Quarter, adjacent to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, cementing the extraordinary equestrian legacy from the London Olympic Games. Global Champions Tour will bring world class 5* show jumping to the capital from June 6 - 9 2013 with the full support of Mayor of London Boris Johnson and his Chief of Staff Sir Edward Lister. It will be one of the first international sporting events in the Olympic Park since the London Games and comes only weeks before the site opens fully to the public.

Horse-live.com offers live streaming from all three arenas at the Z-tour at Zangersheide. The CSI2* classes and the yougster classes will take place from the 2nd-4th of April. Friday is resting day, before the CSI3* show starts on Saturday and goes on until Monday.

Click here to get to the live stream.

Rik Hemeryck. Rik Hemeryck has a new ride in Speedy des Mansarts (Ogano Sitte x Major de la Cour). The Belgian rider made his debut with his new ride at the three star event Sint Katelijne-Waver this weekend.  The 11 year old stallion has previously been seen under Yves Simon who has produced the horse to Grand Prix level.

Source: studforlife.com

Everything is emptying out today! #terriFor the past week we have been so lucky to have Terri Fitton guest tweeting from Doha. Terri works for Marco Kutscher, and flew in to the five star event with Spartacus and Cash - as well as the rest of the top horses heading for the show. On Sunday it was time to pack up and head back home, and if you want to see what the travel back to Europe looked like we have collected a selection of Terri's amazing tweets and pics below. A huge thanks to Terri for taking us behind the scenes on her trip to Doha!

Angelica and Mic Mac du Tillard in Rome last year. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.This week Mic Mac du Tillard makes her competition comeback. After spending ten months away from the international ring, the chestnut mare makes her comeback in Lanaken under her rider Angelica Augustsson. To the Swedish website tidningenridsport.se Angelica says that it is wonderful to have Mic Mac back, and that she will get a slow start as she is entered in two 1.30 classes.

Heading for Lanaken; Jos Verlooy and Omar's Pride Z. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The riders list for the Z-Tour 2013 at Zangersheide is full of top names. From the 2nd to 8^th of April both professionals and amateurs will get the chance to prepare their horses for the outdoor season in Lanaken. Christian Ahlmann, Edwina Tops-Alexander, Denis Lynch, Jos Lansink, Judy-Ann Melchior, Maikel and Eric van der Vleuten, Luciana Diniz and Steve Guerdat are some of the riders heading for the show. WoSJ will be present to bring you reports and photos.

Click here for the full riders list.

Sparti we really need to get ready for the Grand Prix! #terri Once again we have collect some of Terri's tweet from Doha for our readers. Enjoy! If you don't want to miss any of Terri's tweets, you can follow WoSJ on Twitter.

Making sparti ready for Marco! Easy day today no classes for us #terriBelow is another fine selection of Terri's fantastic tweets from Doha. Terri, who is Marco Kutscher's head groom, is currently at the five star event in Doha with Marco's horses Cash and Spartacus.

If you don't want to miss any of Terri's tweets, follow us on twitter.

Several shows offer live streaming this weekend. 

To follow CSI5* in Doha, click here.

 To follow Toscana Tour in Arezzo, click here.

 To follow Mediterranean Tour in Oliva Nova, click here.

Euro Horse – Axel Verlooy’s company – has a brand new website. From the website you can follow Euro Horse’s team riders Harrie Smolders and Jos Verlooy. Click here to view it.

Cashi likes the young Arabians from the breeding station in the paddock #terri Why change a winning recipe; We will present our readers with a fine selection of Terri's fun, interesting and crazy tweets from Doha today as well. Terri Fitton, Marco Kutscher's head groom is in Doha this weekend with Cash, Spartacus and several entertaining grooms, horses, riders and others. If you don't want to miss a chance to take a look behind the scenes; follow WoSHowjumping on twitter.com.

Ideal de la Loge and Bosty. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Roger-Yves Bost’s former top ride, Ideal de la Loge, will for the 2013 season be seen under Spanish rider Eduardo Blanco. Ideal de la Loge was taken from Bosty last year due to a disagreement between Bosty and the owners. The now 17 year old stallion was then given to Olivier Robert to ride, but will now continue his career under Spanish colors as Robert has decided to end his cooperation with Elevage des One.

Super cashi jumped great and ended 3rd in the 1.50m, go grandpa! #terri Once again we have collected a few of Terri's tweets from Doha where she works as Marco Kutscher's head groom for the 5* show this weekend. If you don't want to miss all the fun; follow WoShowjumping on www.twitter.com.

The Stiftung Deutscher Spitzenpferdesport has been founded in Germany. The foundation is aiming to strengthen the position of the German equestrian sport internationally. The board of trustees consists of Jürgen Thumann, Hendrik Snoek and Gina Capellmann-Lütkemeier, and the executive bureau of Karl-Heinz Gross, Madeleine Winter Schulze and Breido Graf zu Rantzau.

Mario Deslauriers and Urico in Rotterdam in 2011. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Mario Deslauriers will as of April join Hunter's Moon Farm in the US. There he will work alongside current trainers Pamela Polk and Kevin Kirk. Deslauriers, who won the World Cup Finals in 1984 aged just 19 years old, is excited about the new partnership. "We had been thinking about this for a while, and when I came in contact with Jennifer (Griffin - the manager of Hunter's Moon Farm), I thought it was a great idea for us to team up," he says in a press release. "I think Hunter's Moon Farm has a great facility and it's a great location, so we are very excited."

Sheikh Ali bin Khalid Al Thani with Cantaro in Den Bosch. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Sheikh Ali bin Khalid Al Thani suffered a fall at the CHI Al Shaqab in Doha, but is luckily recovering well in hospital. In a press release from the organizers it is stated that it has been confirmed that that Sheikh Al Thani is free of any serious injuries following his fall in the CSI3* Medium Tour CSI – where he was riding his horse Sieshof's Abraksas and fell at fence nine during competition.

Early riding before vet check let's see what we can find sparti! #terri This week we have Terri Fitton guest tweeting for WoSJ! Terri works for Marco Kutscher, and she is now in Doha with the horses competing there. We have collected a selection of Terri's tweets and pics from her Tuesday in Doha below. To follow Terri's tweets live, follow us on Twitter.

Kevin Staut and Quismy des Vaux in Den Bosch. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Since February Kevin Staut has competed the nine year old mare Quismy des Vaux (Dollar de la Pierre x Super de Bourriere) with great success. The combination has produced some very good rounds both in Dortmund and recently in ’s-Hertogenbosch where they ended second in the Grand Prix classes. Due to their great performances Haras des Coudrettes once again steps up and supports the JumpFive riders, consisting of Kevin Staut, Patrice Delaveau and Olivier Guillon, buying the talented mare for Staut to ride.

Spruce Meadows Television is making a documentary on the legendary Hickstead. The documentary is titled 'The Legacy of Hickstead', and will be in two parts -  focusing on the incredible career of one of showjumping's greatest competitors.

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Henk van der Pol's ride Chesterfield has been sold to Saudi Arabia. Henk and Chesterfield had a very successful year in 2012 winning classes in Amsterdam, Madrid, La Coruna, Drammen and Vejer de la Frontera. According to Horses.nl the plan is that Abdullah Al Sharbatly will compete the horse in the future.Chesterfield will in the future be seen under Saudi Arabian colors. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.

Time for riding! #sparti #terriThis week we have Terri Fitton guest tweeting for WoSJ! Terri works for Marco Kutscher, and she is now in Doha with the horses competing there. We have collected a selection of Terri's tweets and pics from the first day in Doha below. To follow Terri's tweets live, follow us on Twitter.

Billy is back competing. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.After a break away from the international showjumping ring, Billy Twomey is finally back competing again. The Irish rider went through back surgery at the end of 2012, and Billy looked set for a comeback in February. Unfortunately for Billy the week before his first show back, he was in a freak accident at home with a young horse that spooked – resulting in Billy fracturing a vertebrae in his back. This past weekend, Twomey was well enough to return to the ring though and rode Tinka's Serenade, Tin Tin, Royale Du Rouet and Aminko at the MET in Oliva Nova. The plan is for Billy to compete there this week as well.

Source: billytwomey.com

Ole Kristoffer Meland with Mira VIII. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The 9 year old Mira VIII (Rockland x Leendert) has been sold from Norway to Ashford Farm in Belgium. The Danish bred mare has been ridden successfully by Norwegian rider Ole Kristoffer Meland, who won the 3* Kingsland Grand Prix on her at the Arctic Equestrian Games in February as well as competing her at CSI5* shows in Oslo, Geneva and Bordeaux over the winter. 

A very full truck and trailer 8horses for 4riders! My driver checking all is good! #terriThis week we have Terri Fitton guest tweeting for WoSJ! Terri works for Marco Kutscher, and yesterday she and Russel – who works for Denis Lynch – travelled to Doha with the horses competing there. We have collected a selection of Terri’s tweets and pics from the long travel and flight below. To catch up with Terri’s tweets, follow us on Twitter.

Ludger Beerbaum is competing in Doha this weekend. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.This weekend the CSI5* show CHI Al Shaqab will take place in Doha. Several top riders have travelled there to compete, such as Gerco Schröder, Henrik von Eckermann, Marc Houtzager, Maikel van der Vleuten, Edwina Tops-Alexander, Marco Kutscher, Steve Guerdat, Harrie Smolders, Jur Vrieling and Ludger Beerbaum.

Click here to come to the organizer's website.

Antello Z with Michael in Bordeaux. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Michael Whitaker's former ride Antello Z (Animo II Z x Continue) is back with the Irish rider Cameron Hanley. Michael did his last show with the 10 year old gelding at the CSI5* show in Bordeaux. An ownership change was registered with the FEI in the middle of March, and Antello Z is now owned by Eleonore Paschoud and Yves Bouvier. Antello Z is not a new horse for Cameron though, as he owned the horse until it was sold to Michael in 2012 and also previously competed him.

The four year old Callas (Casall x Coriano x Romino) was the most expensive horse at the Holsteiner Verband’s spring auction yesterday. The mare was sold for 70 000 Euro to a jumping stable in Belgium, but she will stay at the Holsteiner Verband for further education. The five year old Charité (Corrido x Acord II) was sold for 30 000 Euro to Italy, and will go there together with three other horses that Alessandro Mingoli bought for customers in Italy. The Clearway-daughter Clearline was sold for 26 500 Euro to the well known German auctioneer Uwe Heckmann.

Terri is back guest tweeting!Terri Fitton is back guest tweeting for WoSJ! Terri works for Marco Kutscher, and today she sets off towards Doha from Stall Beerbaum in Germany. You can follow Terri and the horses on their long travel with her tweets and snapshots on the WoSJ Twitter account, and we will also put together a selection of Terri’s tweets here on the website.

Jessica Springsteen. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Jessica Springsteen has bought Darragh Kerrin’s ride Lisona (OBOS Quality 004 x Porsch). The 12 year old Irish bred mare – whose breeder is Comdt. John Ledingham – has been very successful under Kerins over the last three years; the pair was on the winning Irish team in the Nations Cups at both Hickstead and Dublin in 2012. "It was a very hard decision for (co-owner) Maarten Huygens and I to make, as Lisona achieved so many great wins for us and Team Ireland. She is a great mare and will be very sadly missed in my barn. I wish her new owner, Jessica Springsteen, the very best of luck with her,” Kerins says Horse Sport Ireland.

 Jos Lansink won the Grand Prix in Beijing last year. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Several European and American top riders will also this year travel the long way to Beijing's impressive Olympic arena Bird's Nest to compete from 18-20 April. The 24 Chinese riders will participate on their own horses while the guests get to borrow horses while in Beijing.

Christian Ahlmann, Laura Kraut, Rolf-Göran Bengtsson, Ludger Beerbaum, Jos Lansink and Nick Skelton are some of the riders that will take part in the Longines Beijing Masters. "To ride there is almost a sublime feeling, the arena is really something special," Ludger Beerbaum says in a press release from Longines Beijing Equestrian Masters.

Read more at www.beijingmasters.com.

Stein Endresen with Cabachon. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The 9 year old stallion Cabachon (Casall x Concerto) is currently seen under Ulrich Kirchhoff at the Toscana Tour. Cabachon, formerly ridden by Norway's Stein Endresen, was sold to Alexander Onischenko in the beginning of August last year – but has been more or less invisible on the international showjumping scene since. Now he is back with the German rider in the saddle, and has this week showed in the Silver Tour in Arezzo.

Steve taking a break at the course walk in Den Bosch. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Steve Guerdat is not taking a break even though he is struggling with pain after his injury. At the World Cup show in Bordeaux, Steve was kicked in the knee by a horse and got injured. Nevertheless Steve was soon back in the saddle and competed at the Sunshine Tour in Spain and at the World Cup show in 's-Hertogenbosch last weekend. According to Pferdewoche.ch Steve's doctor explains that the knee injury has caused problems with Steve's back due to a pinched nerve. His condition requires rest, but Steve is now back competing at the Sunshine Tour.

The third leg of this year's Global Champions Tour was supposed to take place in Kensington Gardens in June, but now the show is in danger. The Royal Borough of Kensington of Chelsea voted against the show at the 15 of March, and the organizers are now out searching for a new location.

According to Horse & Hound there were several objections against the show and there were just four letters of support - out of these one was from the British Equestrian Federation and one was from Nick Skelton. You can read more on Horse & Hound.

Joris de Brabander together with the legend Nabab de Reve. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.BWP has approved 19 new showjumping stallions. Kasanova de la Pomme (Bamako de Muze x Malito de Reves), owned by Joris de Brabander, was the best of them all. Vice Champion was Kullen C (Clarence C x Corofino) and second vice champion Kafka van de Heffinck (Calvaro x Diamant de Semilly).

Joris de Brabander from Stal de Muze had as many as five stallions that were approved during the test.

Click here for more information about the stallions.

The three-time Canadian showjumping champion Yann Candele will from the beginning of this spring base his business in Normandy Hills at Mill Creek Stables. Candele will now focus on young horse development and sales, and Eric Lamaze will support him by indentifying quality prospects in Europe.

Pius and Carlina after their World Cup win in Oslo 2011. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Carlina (Carvallo x Landgraf I) has according to studforlife.com been sold to Alexander Onischenko. Pius Schwizer's 2012 Olympic ride was moved from the Swiss rider to Trevor Coyle at the end of August last year, and has from then on been seen under the Irish rider. Now the 12 year old mare will be seen flying the Ukrainian flag.

Carlina was very successful under Schwizer; in 2011 the pair won the World Cup qualifiers in Oslo and in Helsinki. In 2012 they were a part of the Swiss Nations Cup teams in La Baule, St.Gallen and Aachen, and they ended third in the World Cup final in Den Bosch.

Toni Hassmann with Con Cara at the Bundeschampionat 2012. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Toni Hassmann has a new base from the 1st of  June. The German rider will then move to the Kemper Stable - the yard belonging to Simone Lynch's parents and up until now Denis Lynch's base. Toni, that has been based in Warendorf for several years, will rent the stable - but work together with Simone. "We are happy to be able to move to such a great stable and are looking forward to work together with Simone," Toni says in a press release from Comtainment.

Did you miss any of our coverage from Den Bosch, and the last Rolex FEI World Cup qualifier in the Western European League? If so, we have collected all of our articles below so that you can access them easily.

Marcus Ehning and Olivier Philippaerts on top in Den Bosch

Harrie Smolders won in Den Bosch

Beautiful horses at the Den Bosch vet check

Jessica Kürten takes the Borek Prijs in Den Bosch

Sprunger speeds to victory in the Indoor Derby in Den Bosch

Kathi has a new ride! Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Katharina Offel has gotten the ride on the 8 year old Luke Skywalker 46. The Lord Pezi-son has up until recently been competed in Germany by Steen Sörensen– but a little over a week ago he joined Kathi’s string of horses. The new pair made their competition debut in Arezzo last week, where they got off to a great start by being clear in three classes - including riding to a 7th place in the 1.35 Gold Tour on Sunday.

After the World Cup final Rolf no longer ride for Stud La Silla. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.According to a press release from Stall Bengtsson & Kristoffersen the cooperation between the La Silla Stud and Rolf-Göran Bengtsson will end after the World Cup final in Gothenburg at the end of April. The decision have been agreed upon in a friendly mutual understanding, and reflects changes in the business concept of both parties.

Ninja La Silla will, as earlier reported, be officially retired during Gothenburg Horse Show. The successful gelding will spend his retirement in the fields in Mexico at the La Silla Stud taking care of the youngsters. The two stallions Casall La Silla and Quintero La Silla, who are owned by the Holsteiner Verband, will remain with Rolf. As for other La Silla-horses ridden by Rolf, Alfonso Romo wants to support the Mexican national jumping team with these.

Zeta de Hus here seen with Kevin Staut. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Michel Robert’s ride Zeta de Hus (Zandor Z x Atlantus Z) had to be put down at the Sunshine Tour Saturday after the wonderful mare broke a leg when crashing into an oxer during the small Grand Prix. Zeta de Hus was previously ridden by Kevin Staut, but has been with Robert the past year. According to studforlife.com, Robert explained that they had no choice but to put the mare down. Luckily she did not suffer as it all happened really fast.

Gregory needs to rest for a week. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Gregory Wathelet is out for a week with an injury. Wathelet fell off one of his seven year olds at the Sunshine Tour in Spain and injured his arm. He now needs to rest for a week, but will be back in Spain next week to ride the final Grand Prix that he has already been qualified for.

Source: www.horsus.nl

Alison Prescott. Photo private. Alison Prescott, who works as a freelance groom, is back guest blogging for WoSJ. This time she is at the Horse of the Year show in New Zealand where she is visiting her daughter who works for New Zealand's superstar Katie McVean.

Maria Gretzer will be the new athlete representative. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Maria Gretzer, the Swedish jumping  rider who has competed at three Olympic Games and three FEI World Equestrian Games™, has been appointed as athlete representative on the FEI Executive Board. She replaces Kevin Staut (FRA), who made history by becoming the first athlete representative on the FEI Executive Board in May 2011.

Gretzer, who is now the jumping trainer for the Swedish eventing team, competed at the Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, and at the FEI World Equestrian Games™ in 1990 (Stockholm), 1998 (Rome) and 2006 (Aachen). The 54-year-old is now retired from international competition.

Hansi is on the list for the Löwen Classics. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.This weekend the four star event Löwen Classics takes place in Braunschweig, Germany. Although the best of the best are heading for Den Bosch this weekend, Braunschweig can also present a great selection of riders for their show. Michael Whitaker, Hans-Dieter Dreher, Katrin Eckermann, Carsten-Otto Nagel, Gert-Jan Bruggink, Jens Fredricsson and Henrik von Eckermann are some of the riders on the entry list.

Click here for the full list of riders.

Quismy des vaux did her first Grand Prix with Kevin Staut in Dortmund, and finished second. Up until recently the 9 year old Dollar de la Pierre-daughter has been seen under Vanessa Borgmann. All photos by Jenny Abrahamsson. 

Lisen and Matrix in Gothenburg in 2012. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Lisen Bratt Fredricson’s Olympic ride Matrix has been sold to José Maria Larocca. Lisen bought the now 11 year old Matrix (Cardento x Maximus) as a 7 year old, and brought him up to international level. The pair has enjoyed several victories together – the latest win came a little over two weeks ago in the national Grand Prix in Borås, and they also have some great international Grand Prix results to look back at. In 2012 Matrix and Lisen were a part of the Olympic Swedish team in London.

«It is with mixed emotions that I’m selling Matrix,” Lisen states in a press release. Matrix is a fantastic horse with all the qualities I look for in a good showjumper, but first and foremost he’s a real fighter. I’m really going to miss working with him. At the same time it feels good to show that one can buy horses in Sweden, educate, compete and then sell them on. As we work professionally and on long-term with our own business it feels good to have done this in order to develop our business further and invest in new talents,” Lisen states. “José is a very good rider and I’m sure that he and Matrix will have many successful years together.”

Source: Press release from Lisen Bratt Fredricson

Ninja La Silla will be retired. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.According to Stall Bengtsson & Kristoffersen's website the fantastic little chestnut Ninja La Silla will be retired. The official retirement ceremony will be held on Friday the 26th of April during Gothenburg Horse Show.

Ninja La Silla has competed at several championships with Rolf-Göran Bengtsson, and his career has been filled with amazing results - he was European Champion in Madrid in 2011, individual silver medalist at the Olympics in Hong Kong in 2008, he was 6th at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky in 2010 and ended 7th at the European Championship in Windsor in 2009.

"It has been an honor for me to ride such a fantastic horse as Ninja La Silla and I'm very thankful to Alfonso Romo for giving me the opportunity to ride him. To be part of the journey that Ninja La Silla and I have had together with such great results in the championships is something that every rider wishes for. Ninja La Silla has a fantastic personality and is not just a horse, he is a friend and he really deserves to be thanked off on home soil in front of the Swedish crowds at Gothenburg Horse Show," Rolf says on Stall Bengtsson & Kristoffersen's website.

Donaat Brondeel with Etoile M van't Oudbos in Lanaken. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Gregory Wathelet has a new ride in the 9 year old Etoile M van't Oudbos (Toulon x Lys de Darmen). According to studforlife.com the Belgian bred stallion will now move on in hope of reaching the very top level of the sport, after being successful under Belgium's Donaat Brondeel. Brondeel competed Etoile M in Falsterbo and Mechelen in 2012 – in addition to being a part of the FEI Zangersheide Sires of the World.

Rolf is back in the ring. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.This weekend Rolf-Göran Bengtsson is back in the ring, after his break following an operation. It's been almost three weeks since Rolf announced that he had to undergo a small operation, and that he would take a competition break until Den Bosch. But Rolf is already back, and is doing a show in Herning, Denmark, this weekend.

Related article: Rolf-Göran Bengtsson out of action for the next weeks

Malin has a new ride. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Malin Baryard Johnsson has a new ride in the 7 year old Corporal VDL (Cardento x Grosso Z). Corporal VDL will join Malin on her way home to Sweden from the Netherlands after next weekend's show in Den Bosch. The stallion has been in Sweden before, and has competed in the youngster classes under Magnus Österlund.

Malin says to Tidningen Ridsport that she knows that Corporal VDL is a really nice horse, and that the plan is that she will try him out and see if they are a match. If everything works out fine Malin will compete the stalion, under a cooperation with the owner VDL Stud in the Netherlands.

Frank Schuttert and Winchester HS in Amsterdam. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.According to dehoefslag.nl Frank Schuttert has started to work for Jos Lansink. A few weeks ago the super talented 19 year old Dutchman decided to leave his bachelor studies, and move to Belgium to start working with horses full time. Until then the Grand Prix winner from Amsterdam combined his sporting career with his studies, but now Frank says to the Dutch website that this wasn't ideal. Schuttert has brough his fantastic  Winchester HS with him to Lansink.

Global Champions Tour 2013 opens a fantastic new chapter in equestrian sport with spectacular events in London, Doha, Shanghai and Madrid.

The world's premier show jumping championship series continues to go from strength to strength with a record 13 international events in its 8th season launched today. The Top 30 riders will once again deliver world class sport as they compete for the richest prize money in show jumping and the coveted GCT Championship crown.

No Father's Girl with her first foal. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Gilbert Böckmann's former international ride No Father's Girl gave birth to her to her first foal on Monday. No Father's Girl is now proud mum of a big colt, and unlike his mother he knows who his father is. It is Sören von Rönne's stallion Christian (Cartani x Lord Liberty) – now competed by Gilbert – that have sired the foal.

"I'm very excited to have a foal by Christian out of No Father's Girl - I would be surprised if he can't jump," Gilbert laughs. "He is a big foal for being her first and he looks really nice with his long legs."

Marco Kutscher is the new rider on Casilius. (Here seen with Spartacus.) Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Schou Absolute Horses has bought the 7 year old stallion Casilius (Casall x Cambridge) and half of the horse is sold on to Ludger Beerbaum. Casilius was approved in 2010 by Danish Warmblood as a premium stallion, and has been placed in international youngster classes on numerous occasions under Swedish rider Janicke West. It will not be Andreas or Christian Schou from Schou Absolute Horses that will ride Casilius though; Marco Kutscher is the one that will educate the stallion the coming season.

Source: Schou Absolute Horses

Some great results has contributed to Patrice Delaveau's climb. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.WoSJ has taken a look at some of the riders that have climbed the most among the top 200 on this month’s Longines Ranking. The ranking includes validated results from 01/03/2012 to 28/02/2013. Within the top 100 Patrice Delaveau has jumped from 47 to 29 after some super results lately. Maikel van der Vleuten is another climbing rider, going from rank 46 to 30. Irish rider Conor Swail has moved up from rank 79 to 63, while Abdullah Sharbatly continues to climb – this time from 91 to 74. Michel Hecart from France is another rider moving upwards with high speed; from 128 to 81. Beat Mändli has also broken into the top 100, and gone from rank 107 to 86 – as has Gert-Jan Brugging from Holland who climbed from rank 106 to 89. British rider Tina Fletcher has gone up from rank 104 to 90, and Kamal Bahamdan from 109 to 97.

Number one; Christian Ahlmann. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.

Christian Ahlmann is still number one in the world as the latest ranking has become official. Steve Guerdat is still number two, while Gerco Schröder and Nick Skelton have changed positions which means that Gerco is currently number three and Nick has fallen down to rank eight.

Penelope Leprevost is out of Top Ten and is replaced by Beezie Madden who currently holds rank ten. Pius Schwizer and Edwina Tops-Alexander are ranked as number four and five followed by Kevin Staut and Marcus Ehning as rank six, Skelton as rank eight and Marc Houtzager as rank nine.

The wonderful stallion London is now exclusively available on frozen semen from Schockemöhle. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Paul Schockemöhle’ has secured himself exclusive breeding rights from Eurocommerce London (Nabab de Reve x Chin Chin). The news of the double Olympic silver medalist being a part of the German breeding magnate’s 2013 stallion catalogue – and that exclusively, has also been commented by Ger Visser Jr. to horses.nl. Visser confirms that Eurocommerce London will be available on frozen semen from Schockemöhle, but that the stallion remains at Stal Eurocommerce in Holland and will continue to compete under Gerco Schröder.

Airside here's our plane#KayOver the last week Kay Neatham has taken us with her on an amazing trip to Hong Kong. With her guest tweets and photos, we have followed Kay and Marcus’ horses on their travel from home to the far east – and now they are finally on their way home again. Below we have collected some of Kay’s last tweets for you to enjoy. A huge thanks to Kay for taking us behind the scenes on her travel to Hong Kong!

Watch this weekend's You Tube highlights; Harrie Smolders' winning round in the Vilamoura Grand Prix on the amazing stallion Emerald, some clips from the Nations Cup in Wellington, the super exciting jump-off from the Grand Prix in Wellington as well as an interview with the winner Kent Farrington.

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 Campbel out for one last walk on the warm up#Although Marcus Ehing have left Hong Kong, Kay and his horses are still waiting to fly back home. Here you can see some of Kay's Sunday tweets and images from the empty arena and inside the city. To see all Kay's tweets; follow WoShowjumping on twitter.com. 

Cian O'Connor. Top Irish rider and Olympic bronze medalist Cian O’Connor is our guest blogger today. Cian has spend the last three weeks in Wellington at the Winter Equestrian Festival, and in today’s blog entry he tells us about his stay in Florida so far, this weekend's Nations Cups and yesterday’s thrilling Grand Prix.

Click here to read the blog entry.

Wow cool back ground,happy hacking with my super star#Kay

Our guest tweeter Kay Neatham is still in Hong Kong. Yesterday it was time for the Grand Prix and here you can se a selection of some behind the scenes photos and tweets from Kay. To see them all you have to follow WoShowjumping on twitter.com.

Team discussion,terri lost the idea when they changed to german#Kay

We have selected some of Kay's amazing tweets from Hong Kong yesterday.  To se them all, you can follow WoShowjumping on twitter.

Mornin' oldenburger butter for breakfast,a little piece of german export!!!#Kay  

The Longines Hong Kong Masters will be broadcasted live on the web. All in all six classes can be watched via the event’s website. Eurosport will also broadcast the Longines Speed Challenge (Thursday), the Gucci Gold Cup (Friday) and the Longines Grand Prix (Saturday). Check out Eurosport’s website for local broadcasting times. The live broadcasting times can be viewed below. 

Rene has a new job. Photo by Jenny AbrahamssonGerman Rider Rene Tebbel has taken on training the Turkish showjumpers. The goal is to prepare them for the European Championship for children as well as the Mediterranean Games in Turkey in the end of June.

Tebbel will thus not do any more indoor shows this year. Instead he will commute to Istanbul, as well as preparing his own horses for the outdoor season. He will also continue to train his children Justine and Maurice. Maurice won the European Championship for juniors last year.

Mornin' all, my rider has arrived!!!! #Kay

We have now collected part six of Kay's amazing guest tweets and photos from Longines Hong Kong Masters.

If you want to get Kay's tweets "live" you can follow WoSJ on Twitter. 

Old Chap Tame got injured in Bordeaux. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Eugénie Angot's top horse Old Chap Tame got a smaller injury in Bordeaux earlier in February. Because of this the eleven year old stallion will not compete during the Sunshine Tour as originally planned. According to Horses.nl the plan is for Old Chap Tame to be back for the Nations Cup in Rome.

Source: Horses.nl.

Johannes Ehning and Salvador are in Wellington. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Germany, Canada, Ireland, USA, Venezuela, Mexico and Colombia will all compete in the second leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup in Wellington this weekend. So far most of the countries have nominated more than four riders, and some will also start as individual riders in the Nations Cup.

The nominated riders are(see the list under Read more):

Giulia Martinengo Marquet. Italian rider Giulia Martinengo Marquet is back competing, after giving birth to baby daughter Bianca in the end of January this year. Giulia now has several new horses as a part of her team. One of them is the now seven year old Galan S (Indoctro x Calypso d'Herbier), that ended as number 12 in the final at Zangersheide as a five year old. Stefano Cesaretto, who is Giulia's husband and trainer, has also purchased the eight year old Funke van't Heike (Action Breaker x Grand Veneur), the eight year old Cashgirl (Casall x Alcatraz) and the five year old Colibri (Canturo x Acobat) for Giulia to ride.

On the other hand the ten year old Cartella (Con Air x Quantum), that Giulia has had big international success with, has been sold to Mario Zanotelli's sponsor.

Source: Press release from Giulia Martinengo Marquet

Lauren Hough with Tackery. Photo by Kenneth Kraus/PhelpsSports.com.Nordic Lights Farm has bought two new horses; NLF Billy On Show and NLF Newsflash. Billy On Show is a 11 year old gelding by Cevin Z, that was previously ridden by international eventer Pippa Funnell before he was sold to Norway. Newsflash is an eight year old Irish Sport Horse by Last News that has been ridden by Canadian rider Courtney Vince.

Both horses will in the future be seen under Norwegain rider  Eirin Bruheim. "I am so excited about my two new horses," stated Bruheim in a press release from Phelps Media Group, Inc. "I have ridden NLF Billy On Show for a week and had some great results in the Low Amateur classes last week. He is so fun and amazing to ride. NLF Newsflash is a brand new horse to me, however I've tried him multiple times and I am really excited about this new partnership. I am looking forward to showing these two horses this year!"

This is for celia,yes your favourite coffee has a stand here:):)#kayGuest tweeter Kay was spending some hours yesterday taking a closer look at what Hong Kong has to offer. She found some good company and a huge dinner.. Here you can take a closer look.

Corny gets more food than campbel,so he thought he'd have a look if corny would share#kayOur guest tweeter Kay Neatham, Campbel and Cornado are settling in well in Hong Kong. Kay has taken our followers on Twitter behind the scenes in the stable and in the amazing arena that will host the Masters. We have collected a selection of Kay's fantastic tweets and pictures from the last 24 hours for you to enjoy. You can also follow Kay live on our Twitter account.

Dynamite vh Hazelarenhoekje. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Studbook Zangersheide’s spring selection resulted in sixteen new approved stallions; eight 3 year olds, four 4 year olds, one 5 year old and one 6 year old. The older stallions that were approved on basis of their sport results were Dynamite vh Hazelarenhoekje (Heartbreaker x Clinton) and Marius Claudius (Concorde x Nimmerdor). The clone Air Jordan Alpha Z (Argentinus x Matador) were among the approved stallions.

Source: zangersheide.com

Denis Lynch looks to have a new ride. Photo by Hanne Christensen. Dutch websites report that Stal Tops and Denis Lynch have purchased Anyway II (No Limit x Farmer). On Dutch Sport Horse Sales' website it is stated that the 8 year old KWPN gelding originally was bought by John and Lisa Hales in September 2010 at the Dutch Sport Horse Sales, an auction of young and talented showjumpers in Weert, Holland. British rider Robert Whitaker then went on to ride Anyway II, and has had some great results on him – including a win in the final for 7 year olds at Addington during the British Young Horse Showjumping Championships. According to Dutch Sport Horse Sales it is Lynch that will train Anyway II.

Carsten-Otto Nagel and Cazaro can be seen in Bremen the coming weekend. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The riders list for the Euroclassics in Bremen the coming weekend is full of great names. Jeroen Dubbeldam, Gert Jan Bruggink, Max Kühner, Carsten-Otto Nagel, Jur Vrieling, Albert Zoer and Christina Liebherr are amongst those who can be found on the list.

Click here to see all the entries.

Containers going in 14hrs ago!! Battery ran out!! We left at 7pm#kaOur guest tweeter Kay Neatham has finally arrived to Hong Kong with Marcus Ehning's horses Campbel and Cornado. It’s been a long travel, and Kay has given us some amazing tweets and snapshots on the horses out flying. We have collected Kay's fantastic tweets and pictures below for you to enjoy. You can also follow Kay live on our Twitter account.

Sheikh Ali Bin Khalid Al Thani with California in Vienna last year. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.By: Karim Mekawi

Last year this man jumped a shocking 151 places on the Rolex Rankings list making him the "One to Watch" which highlights the rider who has made the biggest jump within or into the Top 250 riders of the globe. This year he is doing the World Cup finals for the second time, and has laid out an even better plan for the season.

The Masters move on from Paris to Hong Kong, and Christian Ahlmann will be present. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.From the 28^th of February to the 2^nd of March some of the world’s best riders will be competing at the Longines Hong Kong Masters. Seven of the riders within the Top 10 will be present; Christian Ahlmann, Edwina Tops-Alexander, Pius Schwizer, Marcus Ehning, Kevin Staut, Gerco Schröder and Marc Houtzager. Plenty of other top names will be fighting for the wins as well, and you can view the entire list of riders here.

Terri escaping the toilet!! #kayOur guest tweeter Kay Neatham is on her way to Hong Kong with Marcus Ehning's horses Campbel and Cornado. Friday they left the Ehning stable and drove to Liege airport where their plane was schuduled for Saturday. We have gathered Kay's fantastic tweets from yesterday's action for you to watch, with Terri Fitton in a leading role together with the horses. We also got a shot of Richard Spooner and some of the other fantastic grooms.

Hi everyone! Ready for a trip to hong kong?! The first 300km is with the truck!!#kay The next week Kay Neatham is taking us along on their trip to Hong Kong for the Longines Hong Kong Masters that takes place next weekend. Kay is travelling with Marcus Ehning’s horses Campbel and Cornado, and yesterday they started on their long trip by spending the first 300 kilometers in the truck;

Kevin in action on Silvana HDC. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The crowds in Gothenburg have a real treat in store, as the organizers have announced that Kevin Staut will host a clinic on Friday the 26^th of April. The clinic will start at 10.00, and the 33 year old French rider will give the audience a taste of his training philosophy. Kevin has individual gold from the 2009 European Championships, team-silver from the WEG in 2010 as well as team silver from the Europeans in 2011 – in addition to numerous other top results.

Read more about the clinic here (in Swedish).

The Belgian riders, here seen in the rain in Aachen last year, have a new Chef d'Equipe. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Kurt Gravemeier will take over Philippe Guerdat's role as Chef d'Equipe for Belgium. Earlier this month Guerdat resigned, and went on to work with the French team where he will take over after Henk Noren. Gravemeier, who is German, will follow the team towards the World Equestrian Games that are to be held in Caen, Normandy, next year.

Source: equibel.be

Line Raaholt has a new exciting horse in Status FRH. We look forward to seing them together. Private photo. Norwegian rider Line Raaholt is currently in Spain competing on the Sunshine Tour where she has brought her new promising ride, Status FRH. The nine year old Hanoverian gelding has been seen under Eva Bitter since he was six, and the two have competed up to 4* level.  Status is by another one of Eva’s former rides, Satisfaction FRH which again is by Eva’s wonderful stallion Stakkato.

Line tells WoSJ that Status came to her at the beginning of December, but Sunshine Tour is their first show together. "The chemistry feels very good. We have spent time getting to know each other back home and now it is time to get started on the outdoor season. I really look forward to it," Line says.

Kay is back! Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Kay Neatham is back guest tweeting for WoSJ. Marcus Ehning’s head girl will be our guest tweeter from the Longines Hong Kong Masters, and will take our readers behind the scenes both on her long travel – which starts Friday – and on the show. From Friday evening you can follow Kay’s tweets live on the WoSJ-account on Twitter, and look for her tweets marked #kay. We will also collect a selection of Kay’s tweets here on WoSJ.

We are glad to hear that Steve is back in the ring. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Steve Guerdat is back riding after his accident in Bordeaux. According to his website, www.steveguerdat.com, Steve will spend the next five weeks at the Sunshine Tour in Spain. He is there together with his groom, his stable jockey Simon Bürki and twelve horses, but will go back to Switzerland once a week to treat his injured leg.

Andreas and Christian Schou. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson. For the last five years the Danish brothers Andreas and Christian Schou have run the stud and equestrian center Schou & Skouboe, located in Denmark, in partnership with Flemming Skouboe. According to ridehesten.com Schou & Skouboe have now decided to end their co-operation and Christian and Andreas will take over Skouboe's shares in the company. In a press release the Schou-brothers express their gratitude towards Skouboe's participation in the company, and thank him for his contribution to getting the two to the level they are at today.

The Schou brothers will now continue their growing business in Denmark together with the Hallundbæk-family who during the past seven months has bought the three top horses Satisfaction, Allerdings and Catoki. The new team has been named Absolute Horses.

Riding and entertainment in world class. The time is approaching fast towards Denmark's largest sporting event in 2013 - European Championships in show jumping, dressage and para-dressage 20th-25th August 2013 in Herning. We will get to experience the world's elite compete on Danish soil under the best possible conditions. Alongside the exciting championships there will be held international classes where some of our young and promising Danish top riders can try their hands with riders from other nations.

EEM World, the organizer of the Masters Grand Slam Indoor, the best indoor equestrian events in the world, is pleased to unveil a partnership with Gucci as lead sponsor on the second round of its calendar, the Longines Hong Kong Masters. Held at the AsiaWorld-Expo from February 28th to March 2nd, 2013, this first edition of the second round of the Masters Grand Slam Indoor promises to carry forward the tradition of the Gucci Paris Masters.

Urano and Marc Bettinger in Lanaken. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.According to studforlife.com Jerome Hurel has a new ride in Urano de Cour au Bois (Baloubet du Rouet x Kannan). The French rider made his debut on the 9 year old French bred stallion – a silver medalist at the Belgian championships for 7 year olds in 2011 – in Oliva last weekend. Urano de Cour au Bois was during 2012 competed by Thierry Goffinet and Marc Bettinger up to 3* level, and also participated at the FEI Zangersheide Sires of the World in Lanaken last summer.

Source: studforlife.com

Marc Bettinger with ZZ-Top vh Schaarbroek Z in Amsterdam earlier this year. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.ZZ-Top vh Schaarbroek Z has according to studforlife.com been sold to Venezuela. The 12 year old Zangersheide gelding by Zandor Z x Latus I has had great results on the international circuit; first under Kevin Staut – when he was riding for the owners Haras de Hus, then under Michel Robert before the horse moved on to Marc Bettinger who recently has competed ZZ-Top vh Schaarbroek with some good Grand Prix results.

KWPN is out with a new English book; "The KWPN Horse: Selection for Performance". The book will take the reader step by step through the complete score sheet and will explain all the characteristics which may affect the sport potential of the KWPN horse: from body shape to the size of the legs, from the length of stride at the walk to the degree of caution in the free jumping. The book is equipped with detailed illustrations and contains practical links to video footage of free movement and loose jumping. The book is recommended for everyone that wants to know more about the KWPN evaluating system.

"The KWPN Horse: Selection for Performance" is available in the KWPN webshop at www.kwpn.org.

The FEI and the World Animal Health Organisation (OIE) have embarked on a three-year plan in response to growing demand from countries for help in improving cross-border movement of top-level sport horses, as participation in equestrian competitions reaches a record high.

Casall La Silla has several offspring showing this weekend. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.As many as 68 stallions will be shown at Zangersheide's stallion approval this weekend. The show kicks off on Friday, but the jumping of the horses starts Saturday when the three year olds will be free jumping. The four year olds will either free jump or jump under rider. Sunday there is a second viewing and the older stallions will jump a course under rider.

There is a big variation of pedigrees and among the sires we find top showjumpers as Verdi, Quality Time, Casall, Plot Blue and Catoki as well as legends' like Darco, Heartbreaker, Baloubet du Rouet and Nabab de Reve.